Wednesday, 31 March 2010

Not worth the money

Now is not the time to get into all the issues I have with the soon-to-be-released Clash of The Titans remake. But I will say this, if you can see the film in 2D, then do so.

The Clash 3D conversion is a truly hideous thing. Images are split, the editing, design, and framing decisions weren't made for 3D and it shows in every single shot. See it flat, if you're going to see it at all.

It certainly seems to be the consensus online that the last minute 3D conversion is a terrible botched mess. I wonder if the public feedback (and box office dollars) will actually make Hollywood take note, and perhaps hold off on converting everything that moves into 3D...

I think there's certainly more awe with the stop-motion monsters than with the CGI critters in the remake.

@ Gerard

The film has moments — not many, mind — although I'm not sure I'd recommend it either way. But if you do choose to go, then go 2D.

@ Adam

I'm not completely opposed to 3D conversion. I think both Toy Stories and Nightmare Before Christmas worked fine. But the manner in which this was done, and, perhaps more importantly, the result, can't have helped the 3D cause.

@ Matt

Knowing how Ridley stages action these days, I think I might opt to see Robin Hood flat. And for once, I finding myself siding with Michael Bay on this particular issue.

this tiny review makes me sad. i'm not a fan of 3D so, i would have opted out of that anyway. but to give it an overall "blah" is disappointing. you know, sometimes i really hate respecting your opinion, mr. salisbury. it's really annoying at times.

I have just seen this in 3-D in London. The process does not add anything to the film at all. All you get is that occasional "depth of field" feeling, but I quickly forgot I was watching in 3-D. See it in a standard format if you choose to view it at all.

As for the actual film, it is no better or worse than Harryhausen's original. Before the fanboys lynch me, the 1981 version was not his finest work and suffered from a wooden lead and sundry scene chewing from the support actors. Also need I mention Bubo?

The remake is a typical "popcorn movie" for the current movie generation. It is loud and brash and formulaic. It is brutal and indulges the FX industry as do some many films these days. Yet it entertained me on a simple level. It is not Citizen Kane but it does not set out to be.

When viewing any modern remake, you need leave your nostalgic baggage behind and be as objective as possible. This film is a little better than the some of its parts. This is mainly due to Mad Mikkelsen, who is very watchable and the Liam Cunningham who has some dry quips.

There is also a self referential moment to the original, that made me spit my drink and justified the ticket price.